What is the definition of “refugee”?

The official definition of a refugee is an individual who has left their home country due to a fear of persecution based on their race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion and who is unable to find protection in their home country. This definition originates from the 1951 United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees. In the State of Virginia, a refugee is defined as an individual who was persecuted or fear persecution due to their race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion in their home country and who have been granted asylum by the U.S. government. In addition, a “refugee” can also include people granted temporary protected status (TPS), deferred enforced departure (DED), or other humanitarian relief, as long as the individual is not excluded from refugee status by law. Refugees may remain in the U.S. and may eventually become U.S. citizens. The U.S. government provides assistance and support to refugees and asylees through programs like resettlement, education, and healthcare. These programs are designed to help refugees get on their feet and become part of the American society.

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"Refugiado" se define como una persona que se ve forzada a huir de su país de origen debido a amenazas de violencia o persecución por motivos de raza, religión, nacionalidad, pertenencia a un determinado grupo social o por sus opiniones políticas. En Virginia, los inmigrantes que califican como refugiados reciben una protección temporal bajo la Ley de Refugiados de 1980. Esta ley les permite a los inmigrantes solicitar asilo o salvoconducto si sufren persecución política en su país de origen. Esto significa que están protegidos y no se les puede deportar. La Ley de Refugiados también establece que los refugiados pueden solicitar una amnistía adicional, lo que les permite solicitar un permiso de trabajo y una residencia permanente. La ley de Virginia también permite que el gobierno le otorgue una visa a los inmigrantes que se han convertido en refugiados debido a la persecución o violencia. Esto les da a los refugiados la oportunidad de solicitar un permiso de trabajo, así como la oportunidad de solicitar asilo. Con esta visa, los refugiados también pueden obtener una residencia permanente, lo que significa que pueden solicitar el estatus de ciudadanía.

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